This year’s winter forecast is calling for above average precipitation in the Northern Rockies with the onset of La Nina according to the National Weather Service. This will be coupled with colder than average temperatures plus the Climate Prediction Center has reported a “good chance of La Nina developing early this winter”.

With a longer, colder winter people will be facing higher utilities bills for heating costs. Bills lower-income families have a hard time paying. The State of Montana, through the Department of Public Health and Human Services, offers two programs aimed at helping these low-income individuals and families with heating costs.

The Weatherization Program and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program or LIEAP. The Weatherization Program helps improve home heating efficiency. An energy auditor visits the home and determines the most cost-effective weatherization measures the owners can take to improve their efficiency. This may include a furnace tune-up, caulking, insulation, weather-stripping, storm windows and repairs. Northwestern Energy also offers free energy audits for customer. Usually this is done by using a “blower door” which is a piece of equipment which locates leaks in a home.

LIEAP helps to pay part of winter energy bills for eligible people. Eligibility for these programs is based on income and assets. Applications can be found on the Department of Health and Human Services website from October 1 through April 30.

There are also do-it-yourself weatherization strategies available through the MSU Extension Office online at http://www.weatherization.org. Some low-cost steps people can take to save energy include sealing holes around chimneys, vents, water pipes and heating system ductwork as well as in closets and cabinets. Also check around windows, doors, electrical outlets and light switches.

Other steps can be to install a water-heater insulation blanket and low-flow showerhead. Keep hot water temperatures at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and the thermostat at 68 degrees. Reduce the thermostat at night and when away from the home. Also, keep forced air-furnace filters clean or replace them monthly, and baseboard heat registers clean. Also, keep furnishings from obstructing the flow of heat to the room according to information from the MSU Extension office.